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This 5 day/4 night trek is designed for the serious runner who also wants Wine Country luxury and pampering. Set in the gorgeous mountainous area of Sonoma County's Valley of the Moon and ringed by three state parks, the villages of Glen Ellen and Kenwood are a perfect spot to experience excellent running trails. This trek combines luxury 5-star inns with spas to relax tired muscles and fresh California cuisine...this a a runner's dream vacation. The trek also includes special wine tastings each afternoon, with vineyard tours and cave and mountaintop tastings. If you prefer not having the wine tastings, we will be happy to discount your trek.

The trek includes 3 days of running 8 to 13 miles (13 to 21 km) in beautiful state and regional parks. Your lodging on this trek is 5-star every night. (Note: These runs are designed to begin and end at your inn, and include street running, then trail running, then finishing on streets. If you would prefer shorter runs we would be happy to arrange transfer to or from the trail, which can reduce the runs by 2 to 5 miles.)

ITINERARY

Day 1: Glen Ellen

Arrive in Glen Ellen and check into your hotel, a small luxury inn and spa with a world class reputation. Relax on your private patio or take a warm-up run in the nearby regional park. If you have added the wine tasting option, plan on arriving by 1 p.m. and walk one mile to a family owned estate winery for a special tour and tasting. After tasting, return to your hotel to relax before a wine country dinner at one of the several wonderful restaurants within walking distance of your inn.

Running today: No runs planned for your arrival day.

Day 2: Glen Ellen: Jack London State Park

Your trek begins with a run through Jack London State Park with its ancient redwood trees and meandering creeks. At the end of your run, you will pick up a picnic lunch to bring back to your luxury lodging. After a shower you can enjoy the picnic on your private patio or take it to the nearby regional park. If you have the wine tasting option, you will have an opportunity to visit a local wine tasting room to enjoy sampling some of the area's best wines. Dinner tonight will be at one of the wonderful local restaurants within walking distance of your inn.

Day 3: Kenwood: Hood Mountain Regional Park

A short transport will bring you to a trailhead in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. After climbing to the top of a 2,700 foot mountain, you can rest on a rock outcropping and take in one of the wine country's most beautiful views. You will finish your run at another luxury inn and spa to relax and have lunch. If you have the wine tasting option, after lunch you will walk a short distance to a world-class estate winery where they produce and make wines only from their vast estate. Enjoy learning about the estate as you are taken to their mountaintop terrace to sip excellent wines overlooking a stunning view of their vineyards and the Valley of the Moon. Dinner will be enjoyed at your inn tonight, or at an excellent nearby restaurant.

Day 4: Kenwood: Annadel State Park

Today's run starts from the inn and follows country roads to Annadel State Park and a run through the lovely oak, chaparral, and redwoods. You will then continue into the little village of Kenwood with its checkerboard streets and quaint houses. You will end back at the inn where a relaxing lunch awaits. If you have the wine tasting option, after lunch you will walk next door to another wonderful winery where you will enjoy a special reserve tasting in their beautiful cave. Dinner will again be enjoyed at the inn tonight, or at an excellent nearby restaurant.

NOTES

Experience the wine country of California on foot in the European way, walking from inn to inn with your own travel partners. At the end of each day enjoy the luxury of a delicious meal, fine wine, and comfortable room. We make it simple by making all the arrangements and transporting your luggage. Our treks are self-guided so you can enjoy your own flexible schedule without tour groups or buses. We provide a detailed itinerary, custom maps, and excellent trail notes, so you can travel in confidence while enjoying the freedom of managing your own time.